Have you ever wished you could have straighter teeth without the use of traditional metal braces? You're not alone. Here, our Prince Albert dentists explain how Invisalign clear aligners can help to straighten your smile.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign clear aligners are discreet, custom-made for your smile and have no metal or wires that could poke the inside of your mouth. The aligners are made of clear plastic and worn over your teeth. They will gently and gradually move your teeth into place, following your customized treatment plan.
Invisalign can be used to help correct a range of orthodontic issues, including:
- Underbites
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Widely spaced teeth
- Clicking jaws
Step 1: Visit Us for a Dental Assessment & Treatment Plan
During an initial consultation, we will conduct a thorough oral exam and assessment to determine whether you're a good candidate for Invisalign treatment. If you are, a treatment plan will then be created based on your unique smile and oral health goals.
Before beginning treatment, we’ll take X-rays and use iTero scanning technology to create models of your teeth. As your treatment progresses, we'll review your progress and record the movement of your teeth to ensure treatment is going as planned. This also allows us to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Step 2: Start Wearing Your Invisalign Trays
You will receive a series of aligners for your treatment. These will be switched out roughly every two weeks as treatment progresses. With each new aligner, your teeth will be slightly straighter than with your previous tray (your teeth should shift up to 0.25 millimetres per tray).
Once your clear aligners are in, you’ll need to wear them for about 22 hours every day. You can remove your clear aligners to eat, brush, floss and for short periods of time during other activities such as playing a wind instrument or participating in sports.
Step 3: A Straighter Smile
Invisalign can leave you with a more confident smile and straighter teeth (as long as your dentist’s instructions are followed through each step of the process). Orthodontic treatment can improve your oral health and reduce the risk of tooth decay because you'll have straighter teeth, which are easier to clean.
Once you're finished with your last set of Invisalign clear aligners your dentist will provide you with a custom retainer to help maintain your new, straighter smile.